A troubling wave of yacht robberies occurred in the Bay of Islands near Suva in 1979, wherein thieves stole over $6,000 worth of goods from at least 12 vessels. The incidents, highlighted in a report by *The Fiji Times* on November 15, involved criminals using small boats in the cover of night. Notably, a female decoy was suspected to have played a role in facilitating at least one of the thefts.
One particularly alarming case involved the Auckland yacht, Lady Sterling, whose owner, George Kelsall, returned from dinner to find his boat ransacked, losing valuable items such as a movie camera, stereo set, and clothing worth around $1,500. Kelsall reported that the thieves had forcibly opened a bolted lock, suggesting premeditated planning.
Connie Myers, who was overseeing another yacht, reported that similar robberies had plagued the area, warning that the series of thefts spread fear among boat owners, leaving them reluctant to leave their yachts unattended at the bay off the Tradewinds Hotel in Lami. In one instance, she noted that a yachtsman had been “set up” by his Fijian girlfriend, who failed to meet him as planned, leading to a robbery of his possessions.
Lami Police Inspector Ambika Prasad acknowledged the rise in yacht-related crimes and stated that officers were investigating three recent incidents. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Chandra Deo Sharma expressed concern over the trend of robberies targeting yachts and encouraged anyone witnessing suspicious activity to report it to authorities.
These historical cases highlight ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in ensuring maritime safety. The proactive response by law enforcement in the past reflects a commitment to addressing such issues, which is critical for restoring confidence among residents and tourists alike.
Notably, these incidents of maritime theft resonate with recent trends involving violence in Fiji’s waters, as seen in various incidents in 2025 where fishing vessels were targeted. The community’s awareness and support for law enforcement will be pivotal in creating a safer environment for everyone involved in maritime activities.
In a hopeful turn, increased police vigilance and community involvement could lead to a more secure maritime landscape, as greater collaboration aims to combat crime and enhance safety for boaters and residents along Fiji’s picturesque coastlines.
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